CLASSIFICATION:
phylum  Chordata
class  Osteichthyes
order  Scorpaeniformes
family  Scorpaenidae.

RELATED ANIMALS:
Other rockfishes, scorpionfishes and thornyheads.

VISUAL DESCRIPTION:
Rockfishes come in all colors, but the china rockfish is undoubtedly one of
the most beautiful. Its mostly black body is broken up with splotches of
yellow or yellow-white, and a distinguishing yellow stripe runs from near
the beginning of the dorsal fin to the tail.

SIZE:
To 17 inches (43.5 cm). Canadian fishes are smaller, topping out at 12
inches (31 cm).

RANGE:
Southeastern Alaska to southern California.

HABITAT:
Rocky reefs from 10 to 420 feet (3–128 m), though they are most often found at depths of 30–300 feet (9–91 m).

DIET:
China rockfish eat a variety of bottom-dwelling species, such as brittle
stars, shrimps and bottom fish. Like all rockfishes, they apparently have
bottomless stomachs.

BEHAVIOR:
China rockfish are extremely popular with divers and underwater photographers, and not just because of their beauty. They are curious and
seemingly unafraid of humans, and will often confront a diver head-on and stare right back. This, of course, makes for excellent photographs.

REPRODUCTION:
These fish are sexually mature by the time they reach 12 inches in length (less for Canadian fish). Spawning takes place January–July, with a January peak. Alaskan fish have a shorter spawning period, April–July with a May peak. Females keep the fertilized eggs inside and later expel tiny larvae by the thousands. The larvae, with egg yolks still attached, must then take their chances among the plankton. Only a very few will make it to adulthood.

NATURAL HISTORY NOTES:
China rockfish are homebodies, staying very close to their chosen territory. At the first sign of danger they rush for shelter, usually a crevice in the rocks. Their habitat keeps them safe from trawlers, whose nets would tear on the craggy rocks. Anglers catch them, but only if they can bring the fish up before it rushes to safety and snaps the line on a rock.

Like all rockfishes, chinas have sharp and venomous spines. Their venom is
mild.

SOURCES:
Hart, pg. 431
Lamb & Edgell, pg. 106
Love, pg. 96.

 "This series is put together by volunteers and staff at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. The digital images are by Michael Durham, and provided by the Oregon Coast Aquarium." -- Guy DiTorrice, Public Relations Officer,
Oregon Coast Aquarium   [541] 867-3474 ext 5224

© 2002 Oregon Coast Aquarium